Honestly Elliott

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What to expect

Bloomsbury presents Honestly Elliott by Gillian McDunn, read by Matthew Bridges.

Schneider Family Book Award: Best Middle Grade Honor Book!

Highly-acclaimed author of Caterpillar Summer, Gillian McDunn explores boyhood in a funny, big-hearted story about a kid trying to find the best way to be his best self.

Elliott isn't sure where he fits in. Ever since his best friend moved away and his dad and stepmom announced the arrival of their new baby, he's been feeling invisible. Plus his dad just doesn't seem to understand what having ADHD really feels like, or why cooking is the one activity where Elliott's mind clicks into place.

When he’s paired with the super smart and popular Maribel for a school project, Elliott worries she'll be just another person who underestimates him. But Maribel is also looking for a new way to show others her true self and this project could be the chance they’ve both been waiting for. Sometimes the least likely friends help you see a new side to things . . . and sometimes you have to make a few mistakes before you figure out what’s right.


Acclaim for Caterpillar Summer
An Indies Introduce Pick
A Texas Bluebonnet Selection
A Parents Best Book of the Year
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year
An Amazon Best Book of the Year

Critics Review

Starring a sweet and messy kid tackling problems that will bring laughter and tears, Honestly Elliott has all the ingredients for a memorable story.
Lynne Kelly, author of SONG FOR A WHALE
McDunn is a master at creating characters that are fun, flawed, and above all, real. Full of humor and heart, Honestly Elliott is honestly and truly middle-grade at its best.
Jess Redman, author of THE MIRACULOUS and THE ADVENTURE IS NOW
A novel full of heart, humor, and honesty. . . . Elliot is an instantly lovable character, and readers will be hooked from the very first chapter.
School Library Journal, starred review
McDunn has a talent for creating sympathetic characters. . . . This well-paced, heartfelt chapter book offers a lovable main character, a lively supporting cast, and a satisfying conclusion.
Booklist, starred review
McDunn (These Unlucky Stars) offers an affirming and nuanced depiction of empathetic and creative Elliott’s experience of ADHD. . . . Elliott’s relationship with his father, from whom he craves acceptance despite his dad’s failure to acknowledge Elliott’s specific challenges, is particularly inspiring as the two work toward openness and understanding.
Publishers Weekly, starred review
In a droll, engaging, self-effacing, and disarmingly open voice, Elliott narrates his story, providing realistic, firsthand insights into living with ADHD. A refreshingly honest exploration of family and friendship.
Kirkus Reviews, starred review
A slice-of-pie, er, -life novel with all the right ingredients for a satisfying read.
The Horn Book
Middle schoolers will laugh, and maybe even cry, as they follow along with Elliott as he stumbles through his days and finally finds a place of comfort for his warm heart and special way of approaching life. This title will be a winner for any reader looking for a story that reads like it could be about a real kid they might know.
School Library Connection
McDunn offers a warmhearted, nuanced look at a slightly lonely child. . . . genuine and engaging. . . . Heartfelt and appealing.
Kirkus Reviews, on THESE UNLUCKY STARS
McDunn portrays the intertwined emotional lives of middle-school kids with sensitivity and precision. . . . An insightful story of friendship and change.
Booklist, starred review, on THE QUEEN BEE AND ME
Meg's first-person narration is emotive and candid. . . . Refreshingly genuine.
Kirkus Reviews on THE QUEEN BEE AND ME
McDunn deftly sketches Meg’s struggles amid seventh grade’s unspoken social order. . . . Readers will identify with the pitch-perfect middle school dynamics.
Publishers Weekly on THE QUEEN BEE AND ME
An engaging, honest book--I love Cat, and you will, too!
Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, Newbery Honor-winning author of THE WAR THAT SAVED MY LIFE on CATERPILLAR SUMMER
I could almost smell the ocean air as I read Gillian McDunn's Caterpillar Summer. What a beautiful story of family, forgiveness, life on an island, and growing up.
Kate Messner, author of BREAKOUT and THE SEVENTH WISH on CATERPILLAR SUMMER
An engrossing, heartwarming, beautifully written debut about building and rebuilding family ties.
Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on CATERPILLAR SUMMER
McDunn’s poignant, gratifying debut about friendship and family encourages both empathy and hope.
Publishers Weekly, starred review, on CATERPILLAR SUMMER

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